The Law on Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Armenia, adopted on October 7, 2009, stands as a pivotal legal framework aimed at safeguarding and promoting Armenia’s rich intangible cultural heritage. This law comprehensively addresses the preservation, documentation, and promotion of customs, traditions, knowledge, and expressions that constitute the essence of Armenian cultural identity.
At its core, the law outlines a structured approach to identifying and documenting various aspects of intangible cultural heritage, encompassing folklore, language, music, dance, theatre, rituals, craftsmanship, and culinary traditions. It emphasizes the importance of these elements as carriers of Armenian cultural values, acknowledging their significance in shaping societal practices and community identities over generations.
Central to the law is the role of governmental bodies, cultural institutions, and local communities in actively preserving and transmitting intangible cultural heritage. It mandates the development and implementation of national and local programs aimed at safeguarding these traditions, ensuring their viability, and promoting their transmission to future generations through education and community engagement.
The law underscores international cooperation as integral to its objectives, encouraging partnerships with other countries and international organizations to enhance mutual understanding and appreciation of Armenian intangible cultural heritage on a global scale. This cooperation includes joint initiatives for research, documentation, and preservation efforts that contribute to broader cultural exchanges and collaborations.
ՀՀ օրենքը «Ոչ նյութական մշակութային ժառանգության մաuին»
